Why Do I Feel Better When I'm Outside?

Have you ever noticed how your shoulders drop, your breath deepens, and your mind feels just a little bit clearer when you step outside? Research continues to show that spending time in nature can significantly improve our mental health and emotional well-being. For people healing from trauma, this connection to the natural world can be especially powerful—and it’s one of the reasons outdoor therapy and walk and talk sessions are gaining popularity.

What Is Outdoor Therapy?

Outdoor therapy, also known as ecotherapy, takes the therapeutic process outside the traditional office setting and into the natural world. Whether it’s a structured session in a park, along a woodland trail, or near water, this approach invites you to move, breathe, and process emotions while surrounded by the soothing rhythms and sensory surroundings of the outdoors.

Walk and talk therapy is a common form of outdoor therapy. Instead of sitting face-to-face, we walk side by side, allowing conversations to unfold more naturally. Many clients find that walking together removes some of the pressure they feel in a traditional therapy room—eye contact is reduced, and the physical movement can help shift stuck emotions.

Feeling Peaceful in Nature: More Than Just a Nice Idea

Many trauma survivors describe feeling “on edge” or hypervigilant, even when there’s no clear threat. Being in nature can offer a rare experience of calm and safety. This feeling of peace in nature isn’t just pleasant—it’s therapeutic.

Natural surroundings gently engage our senses, helping the body shift out of a fight-or-flight state and into a rest-and-digest mode. For some, the quiet rustle of leaves, the steady rhythm of walking, or the smell of fresh earth can create a sense of safety that’s hard to access indoors.

In moments of stillness—pausing on a bench, watching light filter through trees, or listening to birdsong—many people rediscover something they haven’t felt in a long time: the ability to be present. Appreciating the stillness and beauty of nature can be a powerful reminder that even amid pain or stress, beauty still exists. These small moments of awe and connection can restore a sense of hope and wonder.

How Outdoor Therapy Helps with Trauma

• Regulates the nervous system: Walking in nature helps connect physical movement with emotional processing, which can be incredibly grounding.

• Reduces the intensity of difficult emotions: Talking while walking can feel less confrontational than sitting still. The natural surroundings offer a calming backdrop, making it easier to express and explore painful feelings.

• Supports reconnection: Trauma can disconnect us from our bodies, from others, and from the world around us. Outdoor therapy gently encourages reconnection in a way that feels safe and supportive.

Is Walk and Talk Therapy Right for You?

If you’re drawn to the outdoors or feel more at ease when moving, walk and talk therapy might be a good fit. Many clients report feeling more open and relaxed in these sessions, and the benefits often extend beyond the therapy hour. You may find yourself seeking out nature more often, discovering new ways to self-regulate, and building a deeper relationship with your own body and emotions.

Book a Walk and Talk Session

If you’re curious about outdoor therapy or want to explore walk and talk sessions as part of your healing journey, I’d welcome the opportunity to walk alongside you.

Book a walk and talk session.